If you are looking for an affordable computer, then your best bet is a refurbished computer. Refurbished computers can either be desktops or laptops. They are cosmetically restored, repaired and upgraded computers that are factory refurbished, refurbish used, customized or overstocks. They generally have warranties and are cheaper than brand new computers. Even though they are refurbished they are fully functional and fully tested by the manufacturer. Still, they are certain specifics you should know before purchasing one. You should know the types of refurbished computers, the manufacturer, the labeling, the warranty, specifications, available discounts, and about the seller.
Types of Refurbished Computers
According to Computron, there are three different types of refurbish laptops, factory refurbish, refurbish used and customized. Refurbish desktops are the same. They also have overstock refurbish computers.
Factory refurbished computers or “refurbs” are slightly used computers that were returned to the manufacturer. These computers may have a simple dent, a scratch or a minor component defect. The manufacturer then repairs these dents, scratches or replaces the defective component. They then resell them at a cheaper price.
Refurbish used computers, on the other hand, were used by the consumers for some time. Most of these were leased to consumers, who returned them after the lease expired. The distributor or reseller then upgrade and resell them at a discounted price.
Customized refurbish computers are repaired and reassembled computers that are built according to the specifications of the consumers. Consumers provide specifications for the assembly, such as the speed, screen size, hard drive space, and other details. The assembler then builds the computer according to the customer requirements.
Overstock refurbish computers are overstocks from manufacturers or retail stores. They were not used by the consumers, but were sitting in a warehouse or store shelf for sometime. They are returned to the manufacturers to be fully checked out, upgraded and cosmetically restored.
When purchasing a refurbished computer, ask the seller or retailer what type of refurbished computer it is. This way you can make an informed decision. The seller may not know what type it is, but you will never know unless you ask.
“Refurbish” Label
Refurbish computers should have a “Refurbish”, “Reconditioned”, or a “Remanufactured” label. Any of these labels tell that the computer was fully inspected. The label should be located on the packaging, in the computer box or on the computer. Check in these areas to find this label. You do not want to buy a refurbished computer that was not fully checked out.
Warranty
Having a warranty for a refurbished computer is very important. Warranties on refurbished computers depend on the manufacturer, and vary with the length of time. The best warranty is the one provided by the manufacturer, because it generally guarantees the condition, the specifications, warranty length and coverage. Third party warranties are not as secure and guaranteed as the manufacturer’s warranty. You should definitely be wary if a refurbish computer does not have a manufacturer warranty.
Specifications
Computer specifications on refurbish computers should be comparable to those of brand new computers. Check the manufacturer, the type of processor, motherboard, hard drive, memory, CD/DVD drives, monitor, video card, sound card, keyboard, mouse, speakers and power supply.
If possible compare these specifications on the refurbish computer with a similar new computer. They may not be exact, but should be similar.
Discounts
Many retailers and manufacturers offer discounts to students; military members, corporate employees, resellers and seniors for refurbish computers. If you fall into one of these categories, just ask the retailer or manufacturer if they offer discounts, and how much.
If you do not fall into these categories, there still are discounts available. Retailers and manufacturers offer discounts as high as 60% for refurbish computers. HP Business Outlet for example, offers savings of up to 60% to small and medium sized businesses. Find out from the retailer or manufacturer what discounts they offer for their refurbished computers. You can compare prices and discounts to those available for similar new computers. This way you will know if it is more economical to buy a refurbished computer, versus a brand new one.
Seller
If you are going to purchase a refurbish computer, you should buy from a reputable retailer, distributor, manufacturer or reseller. The best way to find out is to do your research, ask friends and family, check out the company’s website (background, return policy, terms, etc.), and visit the Better Business Bureau website and do an inquiry for fraud, complaints or disputes. A seller may not be squeaky clean but should, if nothing else provides good customer service. This is key.
Even though a refurbished computer is cheaper than a brand new one, it is an investment that should last a few years. So, it is very important to know the types of refurbished computers, the specifications, the labeling, the warranty and the seller. This will guide you to make a better and more informed decision.
Meaning of Refurbished Computers, Computron Blog 2.0, blog.computronestore.com